Tour permit to be revoked after teen swept to sea

Attorney for Hawaii Pack and Paddle fails to postpone decision

The Hawaii Board of Land and Natural Resources will revoke a permit for the kayak tour company that led a group of teens when one from New York was swept out to sea.

A lawyer for Hawaii Pack and Paddle tried to postpone Friday's decision by the state Board of Land and Natural Resources. Lawyer Bob Frame says the teens or a Colorado company's guides along for the trip pressured local guides to deviate from the route. He says he needs more time to find out exactly what happened.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources recommended revoking the company's permit to lead tours at a Big Island state park because of three violations on July 4, when 15-year-old Tyler Madoff was swept away by large waves. His body was never found,, and he is presumed dead.

The permit is set to be revoked in 30 days. At that time, the tour company can present new evidence why it should be allowed to keep the permit.

The land board has warned three other permit holders for the area that all permits may be revoked in January.

A lawyer for the family of the teen from White Plains, N.Y., says the Hawaii company is wrongly trying to shift blame.

Copyright 2012 byKITV The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.